52601Notes from Congress’ Secret Journal on Instructions to Peace Commissioners, 29 June 1781 (Madison Papers)
MS ( LC : Madison Papers). See Notes from Secret Journal, 28 May 1781 , headnote. James Madison & M. Smith moved to instruct Minister for treaty of Commerce with G. B. not treat unless other points in old Ultm. as well as fisheries be ackd. & stipulated to U. S. on which Sul: Livermore no.—Lovel. Partridge. Osgood no—Var—ay Huntington ay, Sherman ay—Elsworth no—Witherspoon no Houston ay...
52602Saturday June the 30th 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning Mr. Cook came here and breakfasted with us and at half past six we went to the boat to go to Amsterdam; we had nothing very remarkable, going to Haerlem, where we arriv’d at half past ten o’clock. We went thro’ the city to the Amsterdam boat, we found that there was place in the Roof; we had one gentleman with us. We arriv’d at Amsterdam at half past one o’clock, brother Charles...
52603Abigail Adams to James Lovell, 30 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
At length the mistery is unravelld, and by a mere accident I have come to the knowledge of what you have more than once hinted at. A Letter of Mrs. Shippen addressed to Mrs. A. but without any christian Name or place of abode, was put into my Hands Supposed for me, I opened and read it half through before I discoverd the mistake. Ought Eve to have laid it by then when so honestly come at? But...
52604Abigail Adams to Alice Lee Shippen, 30 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
Your favour of june 17 was put into my Hands last Evening, and tho not realy intended for me, I cannot but consider it as a fortunate mistake on two accounts not only as it explained to me the machinations of a Man, Grown old in the practise of deception and calumny, but as it give me an opportunity of an epistolary acquaintance with a Lady, whom a dear absent Friend long ago taught me to...
52605To John Adams from Benjamin Franklin, 30 June 1781 (Adams Papers)
This is to request that you will accept no more Bills with an Expectation of my Paying them, till you have farther Advice from me: For I find that Mr. Laurens, who went away without informing me what he had done, has made so full a Disposition of the Six Millions granted at my Request before his Arrival, that unless the Specie he sent to Holland is stopt there, I shall not be in a Condition to...
52606From Benjamin Franklin to John Adams, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Massachusetts Historical Society; AL (draft) and copy: Library of Congress This is to request that you will accept no more Bills with an Expectation of my Paying them, till you have farther Advice from me: For I find that Mr. Laurens, who went away without informing me what he had done, has made so full a Disposition of the Six Millions granted at my Request before his Arrival, that...
52607From Benjamin Franklin to David Hartley, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS and copy: Library of Congress I received, my dear Friends, kind Letter of the 15th. Instant, and immediately communicated your Request of a Passport to M. le Comte de Vergennes. His Answer, which I have but just received, expresses an Apprehention that the Circumstance of granting a Passport to you, as you mention the Purpose of your coming to be the discoursing with me on the Subject of...
52608From Benjamin Franklin to John Jay, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
LS : Royal Library, Windsor; AL (draft) and two copies: Library of Congress You acquaint me that Bills have appear’d drawn on you in March last, and ask very properly if this can be reconciled to the obvious Dictates of Prudence & Policy?— It cannot. And if you are unable to pay them, they must be protested: For it will not be in my Power to help you. And I see that nothing will cure the...
52609To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Franklin Bache, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Je vous écris cette lettre pour vous apprendre de mes nouvelles et pour m’informer de vôtre sante. Je n’ai point eu de prix cette année, mais si l’on avoit fait un prix de bonnes notes je L’aurois eu; parceque je l’emportois sur tous ceux de ma bande ce prix ne se donne pas a St pierre mais pourtant cela marque que L’on s’est appliqué toute L’année. Les...
52610To Benjamin Franklin from John Bondfield, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society It is with concern we have by this mornings post the Confirmation of the Capture of the Marquis de la fayett. The loss sustaind by America by the nessessity they are under for the Goods shipt by that Vessel engages me into using this first opportunity of tendering you a considerable party of Broad Cloths with other nessessary furniture as linings & trimings...
52611To Benjamin Franklin from Pierre Borde, 30 June 1781 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society Mr. Bourdot the Admiralty Interpreter here for the English came to me yesterday, to show me a Letter he just received from Mr. Mumford to inquire & let him know, whether Captn. Jos: Conckling with his Brigg The Whim was gone from here, when, and wether loaded for account of his owner (mr. Jos: Packwood of New London) or was oblig’d to take freight, I can...
52612General Orders, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the Day Tomorrow Major General Parsons Lieutenant Colonel Sherman Major Oliver Inspector 2d Massachusetts brigade The General expects the pleasure of forming a junction with the French Army in the course of two days and as it is his Wish to have the American Line as full and as respectable as it is in the power of our number to make it, he desires that no officer will be absent from Camp...
52613To George Washington from Paul-François-Jean-Nicolas, comte de Barras, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Jai recû la Lettre que votre Excellence ma fait L’honneur de m’ecrire, en datte du 24 de ce mois. Je pense ainsi que vous que la nouvelle concernant L’arrivée d’une nombreûse flotte a la baye de Chesapeak est sans fondement J’attend L’arrivée du convoi qui vient de Boston ici, et qui est parti depuis 7 Jours. J’ai L’honneur de prevenir votre Excellence que sur les nouvelles que Jai eû que Deux...
52614From George Washington to George Clinton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
In fullest confidence I inform you that I intend to make an attempt by surprise upon the enemy’s posts on the North End of York Island on Monday Night. Should we be happy enough to succeed and be able to hold our conquest, the advantages will be greater than can be well imagined: But I cannot flatter myself that the Enemy will permit the latter, unless I am suddenly and considerably...
52615From George Washington to James Clinton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am favored with your Letters of the 27th and 28th Inst. and am pleased with the account you give of the perfect readiness in which the Troops are kept for a movement. On the receipt of this, you will instantly put the three Regts of Continental Troops, under your command, in motion for West Point—You will be pleased to have a sufficient number of Vessels for transports immediately procured...
52616From George Washington to David Cobb, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letter to the Count de Rochambeau is of very great Importance, & requires the utmost Secrecy in its Comunication—this Idea you will convey to the Count before its delivery—to eff e ct when you will first converse with the Chevalr Chattalux on the Mode of its Comunication—Its Object is to inform the Count, that I have in Contemplation A very sudden Surprize of some Post of the...
52617To George Washington from David Cobb, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was at Count Rochambeau’s this evening when I receiv’d your Excellency’s dispatches; Genll Chatteleaux was immediately sent for, and the Heads of Departments consulted on the new intended rout of the Army—The Count inquire’d whether your Excellency was acquainted with the removal of the Yaugers and some other Troops from Long Island to New York; I assur’d him that your Excellency was...
52618From George Washington to Elias Dayton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Imediately on the Receipt of this you will be pleased to collect all the Troops of your Brigade (except the Compy at Wyoming) & put up them in motion on their March towards Kingsbridge. As the Operations of the Campaign are on the Point of Comencing, you will use your utmost Diligence that the Troops come on with Dispatch. It will be v ery inconvenient (to say no more) to be loaded with...
52619To George Washington from Elias Dayton, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
In my last I acquainted your Excellency with the return of the enemy from Monmouth—On monday night a party consisting of one hundred men landed in Rahway and carried off near fifty head of cattle, about the same number of sheep with fifteen of the inhabitants prisoners, and on thursday night they landed eighty men, three miles south of Elizth Town, which took off with them thirty cattle. They...
52620To George Washington from Anne-César, chevalier de La Luzerne, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
Le chr dela luzerne suplie le general Whasington de vouloir bien faire passer a mr le comte de rochambeau la lettre cy jointe, il a ainsi l’honneur de lui addresser un bultein qui lui est envoÿe par des personnes dignes de luÿ, il saisit avec empressement cette occasion de renouveller a son excellence les assurances de son respect. DLC : Papers of George Washington. The News brought by the...
52621From Jonathan Trumbull, Jr. to Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
A Memorandum was sent you this Morng-- for a Captain 2 Subs-- fifty Men of artillery, with two light Pieces to be sent to this Place—The General now desires you will let one of the Peices be a Twelve Pounder. I am most respectfully sir Your most Obedt Servt DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52622To George Washington from Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I was honored with your Excellency’s favor of the 28th instant, a Memorandum this Morning, and a Letter of the Secretary’s this Afternoon. All the Assistance in my power, is given to expedite the Baking of the Bread. That in Store, and half the Pork hath been ordered down, but the want of Craft has detained those Articles. The Memorandum directed, three Light field Pieces to be sent to the...
52623From George Washington to Alexander McDougall, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have just recd your favor of this date. As the Artillery Men are wanted for a particular purpose, I request you to have them sent down this night & not wait for the Peices of Artillery, unless you can immediately find the means of conveyance for the 12 Pounders—Let the Officer report himself at Head Quarters when he arrives. I am Dr Sr &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52624To George Washington from John Pray, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am Just informed by very good authority, that there is lately a fleet arriv’d at York with Troops what Number I cannot learn, but it is Reported they are from Virginia, Like wise that a fleet has saild out the east River and have Return’d, in consequence of the French Fleet meating them—A great Number of Heavy cannon is posted allong the side of the Crick by Kings bridge, The Yauger Horse is...
52625From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had last Evening the honor of your Excellency’s favor of the 28th with a postscript of the 29th. The enemy, by sending a detachment into Monmouth County in Jersey to collect Horses—Cattle and other plunder, have so weakened their posts upon the North End of York Island, that a most favorable opportunity seems at this moment to present itself of possessing them by a Coup de Main, which, if it...
52626To George Washington from Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
About an hour ago, I received your Excellency’s Letter, wrote this morning; The 3d french regiment is arrived this evening very Late. The 4th shall only arrive to morrow evening. The Troops and Specially those of the Artillery are very tired, however, I make no difficulty about setting off to morrow morning with the first Brigade, and I hope the 2d will follow the day after. I shall be at...
52627From George Washington to William Sackett, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
On the first day of July (that is tomorrow) you will assemble all the men of the three Companies of the State Troops of New York under your Command at Bedford—where you will meet with Colonel Sheldon at or before night, from whom you will be pleased to receive your Orders—It will be necessary for you previously to draw four days provision for the men & have their Arms, Accoutrements &...
52628From George Washington to Philip John Schuyler, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have had the Pleasure to receive your two Favors of the 20 & 25th instants—and am much obliged by the Zeal & chearfull Activity with which you are pursuing the very necessary Preperation of Boats. I have consulted the Q.M.G. with respect to Oackum & Nails—which he tells me he has the best Reason to believe he can procure & forward within your Time—and have also, agreable to your Desire,...
52629From David Humphreys to Charles Stewart, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
The General desires that you will give directions not to have any of the Beef Cattle distributed to Brigades or killed, untill you have been at Head Quarters, reported the number & received instructions—He also desires that no pork may be issued while there is salted Beef. I am Sir your Hble Servant MH .
52630From Charles Stewart to David Humphreys, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
There are no Cattle yet arrived, when they come none shall be distributed before I receive His Excellencys instructions. The pork shall be reserved about forty Barrells are now on hand, I Can expect twenty bbls more from West point this day, which will be also laid by, for special Occasions. I wait impatiently for a messenger for Fish Kill, by him expect to hear something about Cattle; The...
52631From George Washington to David Waterbury, 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
you will immediately on the Receipt of this be pleased to collect as many Men of your command as you possibly can and march with them from the place of rendezvous so as to form a junction without fail with Colonel Sheldon at Clapps in King Street on the second of July by Sunset—you most not exceed that time on any account—you will bring four days provision, and ready cooked. You will receive...
52632To George Washington from Joseph Webb, Jr., 30 June 1781 (Washington Papers)
your polite Letter shou’d have been answer’d before this but when the Letter arrived I was at Colchester about 25 Miles from here which I hope will excuse me, Mr Denny delivd the Work man the Leather; (& the Boots I now send) The Bills enclosed Amounting to £3.6.0. I hope they will please your Excellency, they appear to me too short—but Mr Thrasher the Bootmaker declares they are according to...
52633To John Jay from Benjamin Franklin, 30 June 1781 (Jay Papers)
You acquaint me that Bills have appear’d drawn on you in March last, and ask very properly if this can be reconciled to the obvious Dictates of Prudence & Policy?— It cannot. And if you are unable to pay them, they must be protested: For it will not be in my Power to help you. And I see that nothing will cure the Congress of this Madness of drawing upon the Pump at Aldgate, but such a Proof...
52634Jacques-Donatien Le Ray de Chaumont and Franklin: An Exchange About Accounts, [before 26 April 1782] (Franklin Papers)
(I) Copy: Historical Society of Pennsylvania; (II) AL (draft): American Philosophical Society; copy: University of Pennsylvania Library Franklin received Robert Morris’ request for copies of the public accounts in September, 1781. He assumed that Thomas Barclay would examine them, but Barclay—who finally reached Europe in November—was detained in Holland for longer than he expected. In...
52635To Benjamin Franklin from ——— Durand de Las Bordas, [c. July 1781] (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society En passant par Turin, Mr. Le Bon. De choiseul ambassadeur De france me remit L’incluse avec recommandation de vous La faire parvenir, pour ne porter aucun retardement dans L’Execution de Ses Vuës, je vous L’adresse par La petite poste. Je me reserve de vous faire ma cour au premier moment favorable, je desire Sincerement de faire votre connoissance et vous...
52636To Benjamin Franklin from [Thomas Pownall], July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society I receiv’d Your Letter & also one from Lewis’ Evans daughter— wishing that She might receive some remittance from the Profitts of the sale of the Maps & Topographicall Description of N America— which I published with that intent, & gave to Mr Almon on that Condition—& to mark that to be so made express mention of the purpose in the preface. I answered your...
52637To George Washington from Josiah Bagley, July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am induced by the earnest Solicitations of a number of Soldiers, in behalf of Edmund Burk, soldier in the third New York regiment, now under sentence of Death, to Intreat your Excellencies Clemency in his behalf. Notwithstanding his Crime is of the most Malignant nature, and Subversive of every Idea of Subordination and Discipline, as well as Dangerous to Society, and by which my life was...
52638To George Washington from John Dodge, July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Minret Fisher formerly a Merchant at Detroit attempted to Corrispond with the Enemies at that port; But was detected & put in cl ose Confinement which was Very Just. His former Conduct & the good family he Descended from and the Many Obligations which I am under to him & his family for Services Rendred me when prisoner in Canada, by supplying me with the Neces sar ys of Life when in real...
52639[July 1781] (Adams Papers)
This morning Pappa and brother Charles and I went to church; din’d at home, Mr. Cook, Mr. Jennings, and another Gentleman din’d with us; brother Charles and I went again to church. After Church Mr. Sigourney, Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Bromfield and Mr. Merrick came here but did not stay here long. From Dr Garths’ works. Epilogue to the Tragedy of Cato. Chapter 9th. The forty-line Epilogue, containing...
52640Sunday July the 1st 1781. (Adams Papers)
This morning Pappa and brother Charles and I went to church; din’d at home, Mr. Cook, Mr. Jennings, and another Gentleman din’d with us; brother Charles and I went again to church. After Church Mr. Sigourney, Mr. Ingraham, Mr. Bromfield and Mr. Merrick came here but did not stay here long. From Dr Garths’ works. Epilogue to the Tragedy of Cato. Chapter 9th. The forty-line Epilogue, containing...
52641Hugh Hughes to Abigail Adams, 1 July 1781 (Adams Papers)
I am honoured with your very polite Favour of the 10th of June, which arrived in my Absence.—No Expense has accrued but what you are justly entitled to as the Consort of a Gentlem an of distinguished Rank and Merit, in publick Life. When the other Boxes arrive, they will claim my Attention, as well as any other Commands you may please to favour me with. As I have the Honour of being known to...
52642To Benjamin Franklin from Madame Brillon, 1 July 1781 (Franklin Papers)
AL : American Philosophical Society Votre Evesque étoit un vilain—votre mendiant un assés drole de coup—vous éstes un logicien d’autant plus habil que vous rendéz avéc grace, et donnéz présque l’envie de cedér a de mauvaises raisons, appuyées sur un faux principe. Estce au docteur Franklin? Ce philosophe célébre, ce profond politique; qu’une fémme parle avéc tant d’irrévérence—oui C’est que ce...
52643General Orders, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
For the day Tomorrow Brigadier General Patterson Lieutenant Colonel Reid Major Throop Inspector—3d Massachusetts brigade The Quarter Master General will order the Billhooks and Hatchets to be sent to King’s ferry to the orders of Major Darby who will apply to Head Quarters for instructions. Colonel Scammell will move with the Light Troops towards the mouth of Croton river to afford Major Darby...
52644To George Washington from John Fellows, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
your favor of the 25th ult., I last night received. We have no account that our general Court have yet ordered a Detachment of militia: I have however at present no military command, nor is any general Officer on this County. there is the highest Probability, that we shall soon receive orders from Governor Hancock, when in my private Capacity I will give every aid in my power that your...
52645From George Washington to William Greene, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have not been favored with any Letter from you since General Heath went to the Eastward—from his account & Gen Cornell’s I have reason to believe your Excellency’s Dispatches for me have miscarried. General Cornell informed me the State of Rhode Island had contracted for 30,000 lbs of Beef, to be forwarded to the Army in the Month of June & the same quantity in the Month of July—that half...
52646From George Washington to Armand-Louis de Gontaut Biron, duc de Lauzun, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I had yesterday the honour of informing the Count De Rochambeau of a Plan I had in contemplation of attempting to surprize some of the Enemy’s Posts, before they were alarmed by the junction of the French and American Armies, and requested the aid of your Corps in the execution of that design: In consequence of the Ansr of the Count, and upon the presumption that you will be at Bedford by 12...
52647From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
The object of your present command consisting of two Regiments (formed into 4 Battalions) under the command of Colo. Scammell and Lieut. Colo. Sprout—of a detachment of artillery under the command of Capt. Burbeck—of the Corps of Watermen under the command of Major Darby, and the Water Guard under the command of Capt. Pray, is to attempt the surprise of the enemy’s posts upon the North End of...
52648To George Washington from Thomas Lowrey, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday I received your Excellencys Favour, of the 23d Ultimo, and observe the Contents. I have had Mr Morris’s further Orders, for another Thousand Barrells Flour for the use of the Army, have now Finished Purchaceing the Two Thousand Barrells, and in Consequence of your Excelencys Letter shall Continue to Purchace, an other Thousand Barrells, as fast as Possible I find the Millers Can...
52649From George Washington to John Pray, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
You will be pleased to put a Sub. or Sergt with two Boats properly manned under the Command of Capt. Lawrence, I am Sir &c. DLC : Papers of George Washington.
52650From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 1 July 1781 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your Excellency’s Favor of last Night—and feel myself much obliged by the Readiness with which you comply to the Request I had the Honor to make to you in my last. The Information conveyed by your Excellency, I had before received; altho not in so pointed a View with Respect to Numbers. The Enemy’s Apprehensions of our Intention, & the Probability I had reason to...